Webinars - seminars via the world wide web - are generating great interest among connected farmers, who can now participate in interactive workshops and meetings without leaving their home or office.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has established a "webinar meeting room" that allows producers with broadband access to view presentations, images and software applications during a teleconference.

Webcams send a live image of the presenter to as many as 25 participants, who can watch a presentation in the virtual meeting, ask questions and get feedback online.

So far the technology has been trialled within NSW DPI’s intensive animal industries program which covers the pig, dairy, poultry and bee industries.

DPI industry development livestock officer, Greg Mills, said a number of pig, poultry and dairy producers were keen to get involved.

"Webinars help overcome the tyranny of distance and time constraints - and in many ways can be as productive and rewarding as if you were there in person," Mr Mills said.

From his Moree base, Mr Mills has been using webinars to "meet" industry representatives and colleagues across Australia.

"Producers can access a webinar from a computer at home or at a local community library or technology centre, greatly reducing their travel time, costs, and their carbon footprint," he said.

"Small groups of producers can be linked to keynote presenters or researchers anywhere in the world.

"It’s great technology but obviously it’s not for everyone - and we’ll still be holding conventional field days and workshops."

Mr Mills said webinar meetings could be quickly organised, allowing a rapid response to producers’ issues when they arose.

"Participating is simple - the system does not require participants to have any special software on their computer," he said.

"Webinars are easily accessed by clicking on a link provided to participants in an email from the meeting host, then following the instructions on the screen.

"After entering your name and email address you will be given access to the meeting room and the presenter.

"Participants then access the teleconference by dialling the number provided and entering the meeting number, also supplied in the initial email.

"During a webinar, people can send questions to the speaker while they think of them without interrupting the presentation - and the issues can be addressed afterwards," he said.

Email greg.mills@dpi.nsw.gov.au with Webinar - Pigs, Chicken, Eggs, Dairy or Bees in the subject line, if you wish to be notified when webinars will be held.